Buying a Hot Tub for Your Vacation Rental

Created on Sep 16, 2009 6:24 PM

Version 4

Many vacation rental property owners benefit greatly from having a hot tub on the premises. Investing in a hot tub can help you draw more renters, especially during the colder months. Believe it or not, hot tubs are even a draw for renters in Florida.

As for managing and cleaning, be sure to hire a qualified spa specialist to come and clean your hot tub after each guest leaves. The jury is still out as to whether or not you should empty, clean and refill the water after each guest. Hot tubs take four to eight hours to fully heat, and the chemicals cannot be fully tested until the water is up to temperature. Be sure to check with your state and local laws regarding chemical levels for public swimming pools and spas in your second home area.

Ensuring The Safety of Your Guests and Your Property

If you have a hot tub, you should also add a clause to your rental rules regarding hot tub safety. Here are a couple of examples:

HOT TUB: We invite you to relax and enjoy the hot tub. Turn the water temperature up an hour prior to use until water is a comfortable temperature. When not in use, remember to turn down the water temperature to a slightly cooler level. Secure the cover over the hot tub by snapping it down on the sides. Please do not add any type of soap products to the water.

HOT TUBS: No children under the age of 12 permitted in hot tubs at any time. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) state that becoming overheated in a hot tub is not recommended during pregnancy. When using the hot tub, remember there is certain health risk associated with this facility. Use at your own risk. Our housekeepers drain, sanitize, refill and replenish chemicals in all tubs prior to your arrival; therefore, it may not be warm till later that evening. Hot tub covers are for insulation purposes and are not designed to support a person or persons. DO NOT STAND ON THE HOT TUB COVERS, they will break and you may be charged for replacement. Remember when not using the hot tub, leave cover on so hot tub will stay warm.

You should also post clear hot tub rules by the hot tub itself. The owners of Heritage Place (VRBO #142819) were kind enough to share their own comprehensive rules.

Hot Tub hours are from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Use of hot tub outside of these hours may be cause for eviction without a refund. The Property is located in a residential area with strict curfew laws associated with "excessive" noise. Please keep noise levels to a minimum.

Please check the temperature of the water in the hot tub before use. Maximum safe water temperature should be established by a medical practitioner, not to exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do not use or allow the hot tub to be used alone.

Minors under the age of 18 shall not utilize the hot tub unsupervised. Unsupervised use by children is strictly prohibited. Never leave children unattended in the vicinity of the hot tub.

Do not add anything to the water including foaming bubbles, chemicals, soaps, bath oils, etc. If these items are used in the hot tubs, an additional cleaning fee will be assessed.

Absolutely no candles (floating or any type) are allowed on or in the hot tub.

Absolutely no shoes are to be worn in the hot tub.

Absolutely no pets are allowed in hot tub.

Absolutely no electrical appliances should be used in or near the hot tub.

Surrounding patio/deck may be slippery and dangerous when wet.

Persons who have high blood pressure, skin sensitivities, or who might be pregnant are strongly urged not to use a hot tub. If in doubt, please consult with a physician prior to using the hot tub.

Observe reasonable time limits to avoid nausea, dizziness and fainting. Should you experience any of these symptoms, carefully exit the hot tub immediately.

Lessee agrees to leave the hot tub in the same condition it was received.

Lessee agrees to fully reimburse and indemnify Lessor for damage caused to the hot tub during lease term, including damage caused by any person, including invited or uninvited guests, pets, animals, and children.

Lessee understands there will be no reduction in rental fees if the hot tub is unused or unavailable during the term of Lessee's rental period.

Please do not turn off or unplug the hot tub.

The hot tub is serviced and chemically treated weekly and drained monthly.

It is recommended that no jewelry is worn in the hot tub due to chemicals used. The chemicals in hot tubs can also affect color-treated hair and damage swimsuits.

The hot tub shall be covered and locked when not in use, especially if there are any children in the vicinity. Hot tub covers are easily damaged. Lessee agrees to inspect the hot tub cover for any damage upon arrival and advise Lessor of any problems.

Note: these rules are merely suggestions, and it is important to consult an attorney and your local/state policies for more specific guidelines.